42-68184
* The 'Droop Snoot' field conversion entailed the removal of the nose armament and associated equipment to make room for a prone bombardiers position with the installation of a plexiglass nose, a Norden bombsight, side windows and an emergency hatch. The theory was for a formation of P-38's to drop their bombs on the formation lead 'Droop snoots' signal with the precision of the Norden bombsight ensuring the accuracy of the formations bombing. An idea championed by Lt Col Cass Hough and Lt Col Dan Ostrander.
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Built as a P-38J by Lockheed, field modified to 'Droop Snoot*' configuration as the first full prototype of type. Trials A/C, later used operationaly as well. Led formations of 20th and 44th FG P-38's on bombing raid 10-4-44.
Minor damage [Cat 3], landing accident, Andover [Sta 406], pilot Lt Col Cass S Hough.
* The 'Droop Snoot' field conversion entailed the removal of the nose armament and associated equipment to make room for a prone bombardiers position with the installation of a plexiglass nose, a Norden bombsight, side windows and an emergency hatch. The theory was for a formation of P-38's to drop their bombs on the formation lead 'Droop snoots' signal with the precision of the Norden bombsight ensuring the accuracy of the formations bombing. An idea championed by Lt Col Cass Hough and Lt Col Dan Ostrander.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: Eighth Air Force
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Role/Job: Deputy Commander
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: Headquarters (Eighth Air Force)
- Service Numbers: O-20697
- Highest Rank: Major General
- Role/Job: Ordnance and Armament Officer
Places
Missions
- Date: 10 April 1944
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning
- Unit: Base Air Depot 3
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other First operational use |
10 April 1944 | First operational use on 10-4-44 leading formations of 20th and 55th FG P-38's. (44th was a BG; the 55th FG flew the P-38 in the ETO, 1943/44. | |
Crashed |
Andover, Andover, Hampshire, UK | 7 May 1944 | Minor damage [Cat 3], landing accident, Andover [Sta 406], pilot Lt Col Cass S Hough. |
Manufactured |
Burbank, CA, USA | Built by Lockheed Aviation. | |
Delivered |
Long Beach, CA, USA | Delivered to USAAF. | |
Other Field modified |
Langford lodge, Ireland | P-38J Lightning field modified to 'Droop Snoot*' configuration. 2nd prototype, 1st full nose configuration. [1st prototype 42-67086]. |